This marks Buchholz first time on a mound since July 14. Buchholz got the green light from the team medical staff after completing a flat-ground session Sunday where he threw at "about 80 percent intensity."

"The last two days have been really good days for me,'' Buchholz said. "So, moving forward, we'll try to map out what I can start doing and throw a little bit more to get the rhythm back to it.''

There's no timetable for when Buchholz may begin a minor league rehab assignment. Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports the Red Sox aren't counting on him before late August, at the earliest.

Reliever Matt Thornton, who left Sunday's game with a sore oblique, hopes to avoid the disabled list. He'll be reevaluated Tuesday. Thornton was picked up before the break to help stabilize the bullpen after lefty Andrew Miller was lost for the season.

Left-hander Franklin Morales is scheduled for two innings of work Tuesday at Pawtucket. However, that could change if Thornton goes on the DL. Morales has been out since June 22 with a left pectoralis strain.

Catcher David Ross will be in Pittsburgh Thursday to be checked out a concussion specialist. If cleared, Ross could start a minor league rehab over the weekend. Ross has been out since June 18 when he suffered his second concussion of the year.

Daniel Nava was placed on paternity leave Tuesday after the birth of his daughter. Nava will return to the Sox on Thursday in Kansas City.

Brandon Workman was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to fill the roster spot.